Sugi Hartono
This study aims to analyze the research trends on mathematical proof in mathematics education journals in Indonesia by systematically reviewing articles indexed in the Sinta database from 2017 to 2024. Using a qualitative descriptive approach, the study selected 39 articles published in 16 accredited journals using the keyword "mathematical proof". The term "mathematical proof" refers to a logical argument that validates a mathematical statement, commonly investigated in the context of students’ or preservice teachers’ reasoning processes. The findings show a fluctuating but generally increasing trend in publications, with a peak in 2020 (14 articles) and a resurgence from 2022 to 2024, reflecting heightened academic interest in this field. Most studies employed qualitative methods (25 articles), while quantitative (10) and mixed methods (4) remained underutilized. Preservice teachers were the most frequently studied subjects, followed by high school and junior high school students. Algebra emerged as the dominant topic (36%), likely due to its foundational nature in mathematics. Test-based instruments, particularly in worksheet form, were the primary data collection tools, while percentage-based analysis was the most commonly used technique (18 articles). Despite the value of qualitative insights, the dominance of descriptive approaches and basic statistical analyses suggests a need for methodological diversification. This review highlights the underrepresentation of mixed-method studies and the limited exploration of geometric proof, pointing to gaps in the literature. Therefore, future research is encouraged to adopt mixed-method approaches and integrate scaffolding strategies to address students’ difficulties in constructing proofs. These efforts are essential for improving instructional practices and enhancing the development of mathematical reasoning and proof skills in Indonesian mathematics education. © 2025, Malque Publishing. All rights reserved.
Universitas Negeri Surabaya, Surabaya, Indonesia
